More details have emerged from the stabbing and arrest of Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez. Fox 59’s Angela Ganote obtained the probable cause affidavit from Indianapolis police on Sunday, revealing a bizarre scene in which the former NFL quarterback allegedly confronted a truck driver while on the job.
The affidavit describes the incident in detail and includes graphic photos of the alleged victim, a 69-year-old man, showing a large gash in his cheek. According to his family, the cut went through his cheek and even hit his tongue.
The alleged victim described Sanchez as smelling of alcohol and having slurred speech. When a detective took Sanchez’s statement, he claimed he could only remember grabbing for a window during the incident. However, there was both a witness present and security footage from two different hotels, which closely aligned with the victim’s account of the events, according to police.
Identified only as “P. T.,” the truck driver said he was exchanging used cooking oil at the Westin hotel when Sanchez approached and opened the door of his truck. After P. T. exited, Sanchez claimed he had spoken to the hotel manager and told P. T. he could not be there.
Sanchez then allegedly climbed into the truck, which confused P. T., who said he wasn’t allowed to be inside. After getting out, Sanchez continued to insist that the hotel manager said the fryer oil could not be replaced, then tried to get back into the truck. He reportedly blocked P. T. from retrieving his cell phone, prompting the driver to go around the front of the truck with Sanchez following him.
P. T. then moved to the opposite loading dock of the Marriott Downtown hotel, attempting to flag down security officers before returning to the passenger side of his truck. Sanchez followed and blocked him again. When P. T. went around to the driver’s side to get his phone, Sanchez followed and shoved him back.
At this point, the situation escalated into violence. Feeling physically endangered, P. T. reached into his pocket, grabbed his pepper spray, and sprayed Sanchez in the face. Although the spray briefly affected Sanchez, he wiped his face and advanced on P. T. again.
Fearing for his life, P. T. pulled out a knife. When Sanchez came at him, P. T. struck Sanchez two or three times with the knife. P. T. said he was then pushed back into a dumpster and fell onto pallets on the ground. Sanchez allegedly continued striking or punching P. T. until the man stood up and stabbed Sanchez once more. At that moment, Sanchez reportedly looked shocked and fled down an alley.
Sanchez was later found at Loughmiller’s Pub and Eatery, a nearby bar. Both men were hospitalized after authorities arrived, with Sanchez in critical condition.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears commented on the case:
“This incident should never have happened. What began as a disagreement between a 38-year-old former professional athlete and a 69-year-old man should not have escalated into violence or left anyone seriously injured. As with any case, we will follow the facts and the law wherever they lead.”
Mark Sanchez was charged with three misdemeanors: battery resulting in injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/security-footage-reportedly-shows-mark-sanchez-following-69-year-old-truck-driver-before-stabbing-this-guy-is-trying-to-kill-me-204837449.html